No matter what happens next, this season has already been the most memorable run in the New Orleans Saints' 43-year history.

From Drew Brees' record-tying six-touchdown performance in Week 1 to Darren Sharper's weekly heroics, to a field-goal virus that spread from Washington to Dallas to the Saints in December, it's been a thrill ride the entire way.

Ultimately, the Saints' 2009 campaign will be measured by what takes place in the Superdome in the next two games, and perhaps in Super Bowl XLIV in South Florida one month from today.

But up until this point, these have been the 10 defining moments of the Saints' 2009 season. Here's No. 1.

Michael DeMocker/The Times-PicayuneNew Orleans Saints receiver Robert Meachem catches a 39-yard pass from Drew Brees in the first quarter against the Detroit Lions in the season opener Sept. 13.No. 1. Brees' 39-yard touchdown pass to Robert Meachem - WeeK 1 vs. Detroit

Less than six minutes into the opener, Brees hit Meachem with a vintage pass -- a 39-yard strike behind the head of cornerback Eric King, thrown where only Meachem could reach it -- that gave New Orleans a quick 14-0 lead.

It was one of six touchdown passes Brees threw in the Superdome that afternoon, tying a 40-year-old franchise record set by Billy Kilmer, as the Saints routed the Lions 45-27.

The game wasn't always pretty, but the offense was spectacular, showing signs of what was to come during the next three months. And Meachem announced his presence as a bona fide weapon, catching the first of nine touchdown passes in his breakout season.